#1 My Understanding of Climate Change

Environment   Oct 18, 2015 by wilderness-jyeung

1.Based on the videos and your personal experiences/views, what are your views about Climate Change and the role of carbon?

My views on Climate Change:

• I consider my understanding of the issue of climate change to be quite limited. I have briefly learnt about climate change in subjects such as biology, chemistry and general science.
• I am aware that the debate of climate change involves 2 sides:
• Some believe that climate change exists and it has demanding effects, which will ultimately restrict human life in an imminent amount of years. The statistics show that the human population is growing rapidly, and that our damage to the earth will ultimately cause the cease of life.
• On the other hand, many people are aware that ‘climate change’ exists, however not everyone promotes urgency about this issue, as they believe that the effects are not detrimental and imminent. Due to that fact that severe weather changes were also present in history, perhaps the current climate change is part of a natural cycle.
• Personally, I think it is important to consider all aspects in a case, however I have not done enough research into the two facets of this particular argument thus; I don't have a stance on either side.

How carbon affects climate change:

• Based on studying science as a student, I know that carbon contributes to climate change as it destroys the ozone layer – which resultantly exposes the earth to the sun’s heat. The effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, raises the earth’s temperatures because it traps the heat within the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of carbon emitted by humans has risen exponentially, which makes us responsible for this phenomenon.

2.What do you think needs to be done on a global scale, on a local scale and on a personal scale?

I think that on a global scale, the major leaders of the world need to collaborate with scientists, researchers and experts on this issue, to form an alternative form of renewable energy that will not damage the earth. It is not to say that we cannot continue our advancement in lifestyle, however there needs to be a better way in the approach.

Wealthier nations are mostly responsible for most carbon emissions and yet, they have the most knowledge on the issue global warming. I think that developing nations also need to be educated about the effects of industrialisation and their view needs to be included in this meeting. Industrialisation is the key for countries to develop wealth, so it is important that nations are precaution about the consequences this has on the environment. Humans have demonstrated the capability to overcome challenges in the past; therefore, I think that we should receive this issue with an attitude that is hopeful for a solution.

Locally, I think that Australia is playing a role in the mid-range in this issue. We are not the biggest contributors of greenhouse gases, nor are we the least. Australia is open-minded to new ideas as well as willing to collaborate with other nations, which is hopeful and encouraging in our fight against global warming.

Within my personal life, I think that I can definitely implement alternatives that will reduce my carbon footprint, such as walking instead of driving. I am also encouraging my family to convert to solar powered energy. 

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